Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

Synopsis:~

Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.

Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.

As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.

My take:~

While Candace Calvert once again gives readers a sigh-worthy hero and an appealing leading lady, she also packs an emotional punch in her first Grace Medical series that may require your own trip to the ER! Championing community clinics and the health professionals that sacrifice lucrative careers to run them, Candace gives readers a fast paced suspense novel with substance and soul. Jack is great character, dedicated and devoted to the homeless people he serves but with a temper that can damage his cause and pulls him from the trap of being the perfect man. Riley’s determination to work her way back into trauma nursing following a devastating injury is incredibly moving and oozes authenticity, no doubt from Candace’s personal experience with her own past severe injury. Trauma Plan will have your heart racing as the story unfolds and is well worth the eighteen month wait. Thankfully Rescue Team (working title) is not so far away!

With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy via NetGalley

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Critical Care, Disaster Status & Code Triage
Character spotlight on Nick & Leigh from Code Triage
Character spotlight on Scott & Erin from Disaster Status 

Character spotlight on Logan & Claire from Critical Care

Visit Candace's website and blog
Buy Candace's books at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in mid 2012 from Tyndale House

More Tyndale mid 2012 releases!!

I love Candy's stories and given that fabulous author Ronie Kendig has given Trauma Plan a glowing endorsement, it is one of my most anticipated reads for 2012 :) Jan and Tracy's books look great too.

Enjoy adding to your wishlists!

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.

Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.

As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.

May, 2012

Skip Rock Shallows by Jan Watson

Lilly Gray Corbett has just graduated from medical school and decided to accept an internship in the coal camp of Skip Rock, Kentucky. Her beau, Paul, is doing his residency in Boston and can’t understand why Lilly would choose to work in a backwater town. But having grown up in the mountains, Lilly is drawn to the stubborn, superstitious people she encounters in Skip Rock—a town where people live hard and die harder and where women know their place. Lilly soon learns she has a lot to overcome, but after saving the life of a young miner, she begins to earn the residents’ trust.

As Lilly becomes torn between joining Paul in Boston and her love for the people of Skip Rock, she crosses paths with a handsome miner—one who seems oddly familiar. Her attraction for him grows, even as she wrestles with her feelings and wonders what he’s hiding.

June, 2012

Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot

Years of Nazi occupation have stolen much from Brigitte Durand. Family. Freedom. Hope for a future, especially for a woman with a past like hers. But that changes the day American fighter pilot Tom Jaeger is shot down over occupied France. Picked up by the Resistance, Tom becomes the linchpin in their plan to infiltrate a Germans-only brothel and get critical intel out through Brigitte, a prostitute rumored to be sympathetic to the Allied cause.

D-day looms and everyone knows that invasion is imminent. But so is treachery, and the life of one American pilot unexpectedly jeopardizes everything. He becomes more important than the mission to a man who cannot bear to lose another agent and to a woman who is more than just a prostitute, who finally realizes that her actions could change the course of history.

June, 2012

Character Spotlight ~ Candace Calvert's Nick & Leigh Stathos

Nick & Leigh

Candace Calvert is back with a whisk wielding police officer and a doctor who has more faith in her horse than her husband!

Enjoy this insight into Nick & Leigh:~

Brief physical description

San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos:

Darkly handsome, reflective of his Greek roots: black, close-cropped hair, intense brown eyes, athletic build—looks equally good in a bullet proof vest or with a kitchen dishtowel slung over his shoulder.

ER physician Leigh Stathos:

Medium height, athletic but “curvy,” shoulder length dark hair and brown eyes—at home in hospital scrubs or wearing spurs.

Actor/famous person

Nick:

Joseph Fiennes from Flash Forward

Leigh:

Candace with her horse Winter Winds

Strengths and weaknesses

Nick:

Strong in that he never gives up, whether defending his patrol neighborhood or trying to save his marriage. Weakness: His weakest moment came when he let grief lead to the affair that threatened his marriage.

Leigh:

Shows strength, skill, and tenacity in her role as an emergency physician, even during the violent chaos of a hospital in lockdown. She shows weakness when she stubbornly runs from personal problems, especially in her marriage.

Quirk (if any)

Nick:

Owns both a Glock and an assortment of kitchen whisks, and is impressive handling either.

Leigh:

Refuses to own a table.

Your inspiration for the character

The character of Nick Stathos was partly inspired by my close association with members of law enforcement, both professionally and personally—and was a chance to indulge my passion for cooking.

Writing Leigh Stathos was both challenging and satisfying. I wanted readers to share my joy in the blessing of second chances. And I got to climb back into the saddle—always a plus for a horse-lover.

Background to the story

I teamed with my agent Natasha Kern to write this back cover description:

Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious and adrenaline-infused, “Treat ‘em and street ‘em” with no emotional complications. Life’s taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. The clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with “the other woman” begins a whole new set of lessons.

San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith—or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh’s heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.

Thanks for sharing with us again, Candy. Love it when you visit! Bring on the next series :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Critical Care, Disaster Status & Code Triage

Character spotlight on Scott & Erin from Disaster Status

Character spotlight on Logan & Claire from Critical Care

Visit Candace's website and blog

Buy Candace's books at Amazon or Koorong

Code Triage by Candace Calvert

Synopsis:~

Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious, and adrenaline-infused-"Treat 'em and street 'em"-with no emotional complications. Life's taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. And the clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with "the other woman" begins a whole new set of lessons.

San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith-or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh's heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.

My take:~

Candace Calvert's medical dramas need to carry a health warning ~ heart palpitations and emotional repercussions imminent! Code Triage is no exception oozing emotional heartache, relationship angst and the non stop drama to rival an ER on high alert. Leigh and Nick, introduced in Disaster Status, take centre stage in Code Triage as Leigh attempts to move on from her marriage at the same time Nick determines to repair the potentially irreparable damage his behaviour has caused. Delving deep into her characters' frailties and pain, Candace peels back the layers of a disintegrating marriage to reveal the choices and attitudes that played such a part in Nick and Leigh stepping away from their marriage vows. Once again, Candace writes authentically and with heart, not shying away from the deep implications of infidelity or providing a pat and hasty resolution. Code Triage is satisfying in every way and is a wonderful conclusion to her Mercy Hospital trilogy. Next novel stat!

With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Critical Care and Disaster Status

Character spotlight on Scott & Erin from Disaster Status

Character spotlight on Logan & Claire from Critical Care

Visit Candace's website and blog

Buy Candace's books at Amazon or Koorong

Sneak peek at Code Triage by Candace Calvert

I love sharing with you upcoming books and they don't come any better than the lovely Candace Calvert and her successful Mercy Hospital series!

My sister will be thrilled with this one ~ Hi Jen :)

Enjoy:~

Code Triage by Candace Calvert

Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious and adrenaline-infused, “Treat ‘em and street ‘em” with no emotional complications. Life’s taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. The clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with “the other woman” begins a whole new set of lessons.

San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith—or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh’s heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.

Releasing September, 2010

Character Spotlight ~ Candace Calvert's Erin Quinn & Scott McKenna

Erin Quinn & Scott McKenna

Candace Calvert roped us all in with her fabulous debut novel, Critical Care and she continues that trend with her second medical drama, Disaster Status. Erin first appeared in Critical Care and has now met her match in Fire Captain Scott McKenna!

Enjoy:~


Brief physical description

ER charge nurse Erin Quinn: Tall, slender but athletic, determined tilt of the chin, passionate spark in her green eyes--set aflame in a mane of auburn red hair. As seen through hero Scott McKenna's eyes:

Erin strode toward him and Scott reached up to gingerly touch his shoulder. Not the injury from his ocean skirmish, but the site where she'd given that tetanus shot--it ached like a son of a gun. And after tonight's meeting, he sensed his discomfort had barely begun; this nurse could become a royal pain in the . . . Scott's throat constricted. Ah, man. Does she have to be so beautiful?

Tall and lean and dressed in jeans, with a sea-green sweater knotted casually around the shoulders of a simple white shirt, Erin looked fresh and wholesome. Like one of those women on the cover of a healthy living magazine. Or maybe a young mother headed to a PTA meeting. With her shiny hair lifted into a ponytail, a faint flush high on her cheeks, and the barest trace of freckles. As she drew closer, her brows scrunched together, eyes narrowed, and . . . uh oh. Not PTA. And definitely not good for his health. But too late

now . . .

Fire Captain Scott McKenna: Tall, granite gray eyes, close-cropped blonde hair, muscular--built to carry a child from a burning building . . . and the weight of the world on his shoulders.

As seen through heroine Erin Quinn's eyes, the first time they meet:

“Excuse me,” she said, sweeping wind-tossed hair from her face as she peered up at him. Gray. His eyes were granite gray. “I need to get past you. Thanks. Appreciate it.” She twisted sideways, scrunched down a little and attempted to squeeze by him, catching a faint whiff of citrusy cologne . . . mixed with smoke.

“Don't thank me,” he said. “And stop right where you are.” He stepped in front of her again, halting her in her tracks. His brows, dark like his lashes, drew together as he regarded her, and there was the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Not a smile. He crossed his arms again. “No one can come through here. That's the rules. And I go by the book. Sorry.”

By the book? As if she didn't have policies to follow? Erin opened her mouth, then closed it, forcing herself to take a slow breath. Lord, show me the humor in this . . . She lifted her chin and met his gaze, noticing that he had a small scar just below his lower lip. Probably from somebody's fist.

Actor/famous person

Erin Quinn: Young Nicole Kidman (way back, when she looked fresh and innocent but spunky--maybe in “Far and Away”?

Scott McKenna: Actor Chris O'Donnell of NCIS: Los Angeles

Strengths and weaknesses

Erin:

Strengths: Passionately determined, fiercely protective of her grandmother and her ER team, prides herself on being strong--physically and spiritually.

Weakness: Stubbornly opinionated, defensive, has trouble trusting--even God.

Scott:

Strengths: Responsible, born leader, honest, strong family ties.

Weaknesses: Emotionally wary to the point of loneliness, his own worst critic, blames himself for past tragedy--is sure God does, too.

Quirk (if any)

Erin: Takes her frustrations out via a punching bag--owns red leather boxing gloves. Watch out for her right hook!

Scott: Too “by the book” for quirks--except when he has a karaoke microphone in his hand.

Your inspiration for the character

Erin: My inspiration for Erin Quinn was likely personal--I'm an ER nurse and long struggled with the need to be “strong” before I found the source of true strength: faith in God. Erin also reminds me a lot of my daughter, hence this dedication:

“For my amazing daughter, Brooklynn, who hikes to mountaintops, listens in pristine stillness . . . and knows her strength.”

Scott: This hero is likely a mix of the wonderful and dedicated fire fighter-paramedics I've had to privilege to know and mentor in the ER. Real heroes.

Background to the story

I think the book jacket blurb covers it nicely:

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work at the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she's put to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department's handsome incident commander who thinks her strategy is out of line.

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he's learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he's forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?

Thanks so much, Candy! Makes me want to read Disaster Status all over again :)

On Thursday, the spotlight shines on Robert Elmer's Pastor Steffen Petersen and Hanne Abrahamsen from his World War II novel, Wildflowers of Terezin.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Critical Care and Disaster Status
Character spotlight on Logan & Claire from Critical Care
Interview with Candace
Visit Candace's website and blog
Buy Candace's book at Amazon or Koorong

Disaster Status by Candace Calvert with signed giveaway

Synopsis:~

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work on the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she's puts to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department's handsome incident commander who thinks her strategy is out of line.

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he's learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he's forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?

My take:~

Candace Calvert returns with her unique blend of medical drama and engaging romance in Disaster Status as feisty ER charge nurse Erin Quinn from Critical Care confronts the unbending Fire Captain Scott McKenna creating a slow burning attraction guaranteed to melt the coldest heart! With her dedication to detail, Candace once again brings the emergency room to life, the sounds, smells and emotions that inhabit every hospital and the compassionate staff that make healing possible. Layered into the story is the the burgeoning attraction between Erin and Scott, both struggling with fear and guilt from their past and the shattered marriage of Dr Leigh Stathos, setting up the third book in the series, Code Triage. With an extra twist of suspense, Candace will cement her following with Disaster Status and have readers clamouring for more when this series ends.

With thanks to Tyndale House for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Critical Care
Character spotlight on Logan & Claire from Critical Care
Interview with Candace
Visit Candace's website and blog
Buy Candace's book at Amazon or Koorong

Open Giveaway

Candy is graciously offering one of my readers a signed and personalised copy of Disaster Status!

To enter, post a comment on or before Sunday 14th March, 2010 telling me your favourite medical TV show, movie or book :) To be included in the draw you must answer the question!

Mine would have to be a fantastic Aussie series from the 80's called The Flying Doctors (showing my age, I know)!! What's yours?

Candace Calvert ~ What's Cooking at Christmas?

Candace Calvert

I’ve used this Pillsbury recipe several times—looks pretty on your appetizer table and tastes yummy.

Ham and Veggie Wreath

Ingredients

2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1 container (8 oz) pineapple cream cheese spread

1/3 cup chopped cooked ham

1/4 cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped fresh broccoli florets

1 tablespoon chopped red onion

6 grape tomatoes or small cherry tomatoes, quartered

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Turn 10-oz custard cup upside down on center of ungreased large cookie sheet. Remove dough from 1 can, keeping dough in 1 piece; do not unroll. (Keep remaining can of dough in refrigerator.) With hands, roll dough in one direction to make 12-inch log. Cut log into 20 slices. Arrange 16 slices, slightly overlapping and in clockwise direction, around custard cup on cookie sheet.

2. Repeat with second can of dough, cutting log into 20 slices. Arrange remaining 4 slices and slices from second can (total of 24 slices) slightly overlapping each other and in counterclockwise direction, close to but not overlapping first ring. Remove custard cup.

3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Gently loosen wreath from cookie sheet; carefully slide onto cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

4. Place wreath on serving tray or platter. Spread cream cheese spread over wreath. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving.

Enjoy!

Delicious “Taco” variation for Wreath:

Mix:

1/3 cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cumin

small can diced mild green chiles (add amount to personal preference)

Spread over cooled crescent wreath

“Decorate” with:

1 diced avocado (sprinkle with lime juice to avoid turning brown)

½ cup chopped fresh tomato

½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

2 ½ oz. sliced black olives, drained

extra chopped fresh cilantro

Place small bowl of salsa in center. Ole!

Wow - this does look pretty, Candy, and I like the sound of the Taco variation :) I knew you were the author to go to for a Christmas recipe!

Candace's Books

Critical Care ~ Disaster Status (April, 2010) ~ Code Triage (some time after that!)

Relz Reviewz Extras

All things Calvert @ Relz Reviewz

Visit Candace's website and blog

Buy Candace's book at Amazon or Koorong

Coming in 2010 from Candace Calvert, Susan May Warren & Tyndale House

Candace Calvert made a lasting impression with her first Mercy Hospital novel, Critical Care and I have no doubt she will continue to impress with the sequel to be released by Tyndale House in April, 2010.


Disaster Status by Candace Calvert

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work on the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she’s put to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department’s handsome incident commander, who thinks her strategy is out of line.

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he’s learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he’s forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?



Everyone adores Susan May Warren and her latest heroine, the indomitable PJ Sugar. Looks like she is going to get herself into more tangles in Double Trouble, releasing in February, 2010.




Double Trouble by Susan May Warren

With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts?

When she takes on her first official case—house-sitting for a witness in protective custody—Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they’re after PJ, too

Character Spotlight ~ Candace Calvert's Logan Caldwell & Claire Avery

Today the spotlight shines on Logan Caldwell & Claire Avery


Former nurse, Candace Calvert, has placed herself back in the emergency room with her debut Mercy Hospital medical drama series, commencing with Critical Care. This novel has drawn rave reviews and readers can't wait for more. I am sure you will love this peek into her characters, Logan and Claire.

Thanks, Candy:~

Brief physical description

Dr. Logan “McSnarly” Caldwell:

Tall, muscular, broad-shoulders, dark hair, intensely blue eyes—as the heroine observes:

“Logan Caldwell’s eyes were impossibly blue. Intense, almost crystalline, like the still surface of Lake Tahoe after a first snow. Fringed with black lashes, they seemed mismatched with his dark brows, curly hair, olive skin, and wide-bridged nose.”

Claire Avery, RN:

Tall, slender but athletic (a runner), long brown hair, gray eyes—as the hero observes:

“. . . Her eyes, Logan noticed, were the same soft gray of a dove’s wing. Almost lavender gray, with flecks of white, and lined with those long dark lashes. . . He cleared his throat. “I haven’t met many women who can climb rocks and scramble down a cliff without worrying about her clothes or breaking a fingernail. Or who knows how to lock in a Jeep’s hubs for four-wheeling, tie a fisherman’s knot, and handle salmon eggs and red worms.”

Actor/famous person

Difficult question! I think Tyndale House captured my hero perfectly on the book cover. But some folks have suggested that these actors may resemble my main characters:

Logan Caldwell: Actor Clive Owen

Claire Avery: Actress Jennifer Connelly

Strengths and weaknesses

Dr. Logan Caldwell bursts onto the scene as the epitome of strength; both in his powerful physical presence and as a stern taskmaster in the chaos of ER (“Either help me, or get out of my way!”) He’s bright, highly skilled, a natural leader, and completely determined—the doctor you’d want fighting to save your life. Despite his “snarly exterior, he has a tender, caring heart--well hidden beneath those faded blue scrubs.

Logan’s weaknesses stem from his relentless sense of responsibility. He’s controlling, demanding and critical, expects his ER team to be as tough as he is. He will not tolerate “weak links.” Past hurts have made him wary of relationships—especially with God.

Nurse Claire Avery is a consummate planner. She’s organized, focused, ready to get things done—whether in her new duties as an education nurse, or in her attempts to move on with her life after the tragic loss of her brother. She’s idealistic, a Christian, and an advocate—and plucky enough to go toe to toe with Logan Caldwell in defense of his beleaguered ER staff.

Claire’s weaknesses arise from her inability to face the pain of her loss and confront her self doubts. Her brother’s death (in her own trauma room) and her subsequent stress symptoms struck a devastating blow to her confidence. This also keeps her from hoping for her own happy ending. Instead she maps out a career plan step by step, and expects God to give it His stamp of approval.

Quirk (if any)

Logan Caldwell pulls on a black leather jacket and escapes his workday stress via a Harley motorcycle, trading the chaos of ER for the pristine stillness of the Sierra mountains. If pizza and country music are added to the mix, all the better.

Claire Avery talks to God as she jogs the trails in Gold Bug Park, and has a one-eared cat named Smokey.

Your inspiration for the character

The character of Logan Caldwell is a combination of the ER docs I’ve worked with— some attractive, funny, all skilled . . . and most of whom could go “McSnarly,” in a heartbeat.

Claire Avery puts a face on the devastating effects of critical incident stress. She also depicts the courage, heart, and faith it takes to face the pain, to “let go and let God.” Her journey offers hope.

Background to the story

After the tragic death of her brother, nurse Claire Avery vows to never set foot in a trauma room again. But when she’s required to offer staff counseling after a devastating day care explosion, she’s forced back to the ER—and into immediate conflict with the surly Dr. Logan Caldwell, who thinks “touchy-feely” counseling is a waste of time.

Thank you so much for this, Candy! It has been a lot of fun and I am looking forward to doing this again for Erin Quinn and Scott McKenna early next year :)


On Thursday, come back for a spotlight on Tina Forkner's Lillian Diamon and Truman Clark from her lastest release, Rose House.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of Critical Care
Interview with Candace
Friendship Friday with Candace
Visit Candace's website and blog
Buy Candace's book at Amazon or Koorong

Getting to know Candace Calvert

Candace Calvert has stormed into the fiction scene with her debut medical drama, Critical Care. Candy loves writing, cooking, hummingbirds (just follow her tweets!), God and exudes joy! I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little better and if you haven't bought her book, what are you waiting for?!

Over to you, Candy:~

If you could have chosen your own name, what would it be?

I'm just glad my older brothers didn't get their choice: they were pushing for “Champion,” after Hollywood cowboy Gene Autry's horse. Candace is fine. Most people call me Candy.

Your first pet's name?

A cat named “Whiskers.”

Your best friend's name in primary (elementary) school?

Merri McGregor.

Did you have a special toy that went everywhere with you when you were young? Please describe.

I was enamored with a series of stick horses (Fury, Flicka, Black Beauty), and worked to perfect a great trot and lip-rattling whinny. Then sobbed, broken hearted, when my grammar school principal confiscated one of those beloved horses “for safety” on the playground. I stand firm: Flicka was not a weapon.


If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you want with you? (Besides your Bible)

A tie between my Kindle and my eyelash curler. Seriously, I'd want writing paraphernalia--think of the novels one could pen with all that time.

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?

Pumpkin

Rel:~ REALLY...pumpkin?! That's a bit frightening for the Aussie palate :)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Initially I wanted to be a dance hall girl like Miss Kitty on “Gunsmoke”--my mother gently (and wisely) discouraged that. My second choice was to become a doctor.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I have been blessed to travel many places, but have yet to visit the UK . . . and how about Australia?

Favourite book?

Too hard! It depends on mood, season of life, circumstances. I loved Anne Rivers Siddons Up Island, and I'm currently nuts about Sara Gruen's work. And then there's Grisham, and cozy mysteries, and so many great CBA titles . . . don't make me choose.

Favourite movie?

Another impossibility. But I'm partial to romantic comedy, old ones like “Philadelphia Story,” or “Bringing up Baby,” and contemporaries like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral, ” “Notting Hill,”. . . oh, and that great movie, “American Dreamer,” about the aspiring romance writer who gets a concussion in Paris and becomes her heroine! Plus the Anne of Greene Gables series, and “The Man from Snowy River”, and . . . impossible, I warned you.

Rel: Hehehe...of course, I had to post the picture of the Aussie movie in your list ;-)

House, Grey's Anatomy, ER or General Hospital?!

Lately, I confess to watching snippets of General Hospital via the mini-TV on my cross-trainer at the gym. Good dialogue, and this soap opera does attempt to address a range of social issues. But IMO, all of these medical dramas are missing a critical element--faith. That's why I write (what my publicist tags) “hope opera.”

Scrapbooking, knitting, cooking or aerobics?

I love cooking the way I love writing. Similar really: start with a good recipe (story premise), and solid basic ingredients (well-developed characters, strong conflicts, structured plot) then go creative by adding seasonings and herbs much the way that snappy dialogue, intriguing settings, pacing, and quirky details “spice” a story. I should type in my apron!

The most difficult patients - surgeons, psychiatrists or nurses?

Out of the frying pan into the fire! It depends on the person, of course. But nurses have a reputation for needing control . . . and I've seen a surgeon hurl scalpels. We should consult that psychiatrist.

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

Recently, it would be atop a camel at the pyramids.

Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock) or Sydney Harbour Bridge?

I'm drooling. Probably the Reef--I love snorkelling.

What's your most fervent prayer?

That I can truly “let go and let God.” That nurse control thing, again. Not easy.

What is your favourite Bible verse (or "one" of your favourites) and what does it mean to you?

The same verse that is the basis for Critical Care: Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. For me, this verse brings immense comfort and relief, makes me feel cherished, and reminds me again to “let go and let God.”

Besides God, who has influenced you the most?

Probably my father. He was brilliant, dynamic, tireless, sometimes maddening . . . and an incredible storyteller.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

Foolishly brave: jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet.

Wisely brave: trusting God after life smacked me down on the dirt (literally, in a riding accident), broke my neck and threatened my spirit.

What was your most embarrassing moment in High School?

In a conversation with a boy I was trying to impress, I gestured dramatically and stuck a French fry up my nose.

How did your husband propose?

During a hike in the Sierra Mountains.

What is the best advice you have received about marriage? That God must be part of it.

Your favourite activity as a Grandma

I love rocking babies. And have two new ones, a boy (Drake) and girl (Ashland).

Critical Care

As a former ER nurse you are obviously writing what you know - have you had to put in much research into the medical side of your book?

Though I have countless memories of ER settings and cases, I do fact-check (in an attempt to stay current) via online medical sources. And through the generosity of several medical and rescue personnel who offer to read my manuscripts.

Describe each of your main characters with one word

Logan Caldwell: Forceful

Claire Avery: Protective

You have great dialogue between Claire and Logan - does that come easily or do you work hard to get it right?

In truth, dialogue comes naturally to me, and is one of my favorite things to write. I'm one of those quirky authors who “hears” characters talking--whole conversations sometimes. Often in the shower. Hard to take notes with a bar of Caress body soap.

How has your past experience working with ER doctors flavoured Logan's character?

I've been privileged to work “in the trenches” with teams comprised of many personalities . . . strong personalities. Nurses and doctors alike. Logan Caldwell's character arose from a combination of doctors I've known. Strong, competent, dedicated physicians you could trust with your life. Good and heroic people, but still human beings--wounded and flawed as we all are--and quite capable of turning “McSnarly” (demanding, critical, impatient, and seemingly insensitive) faster than you can shout, “STAT.” I loved revealing the true (tender, hopeful) heart of “Dr. McSnarly” that beats beneath those faded blue scrubs.

There are two more Mercy Hospital stories (yay!) ~ a sneak peek, please

Gladly:

(Working title) Disaster Status is scheduled for release in January 2010:

ER nurse Erin Quinn (introduced in Critical Care) escapes personal turmoil to work at the peaceful California coast. But when a pesticide disaster brings dozens of victims to Pacific Mercy Hospital, she suddenly finds herself immersed in community panic--and at odds with ambitious fire captain Scott McKenna, a man who is no stranger to the toxic effects of tragedy.

(Working title) Code Triage (release date not yet disclosed):

ER physician Leigh Stathos (from Disaster Status) expects to leave behind her San Francisco home and her broken marriage, and finally move on with her life. But a terrifying and tragic crime puts Golden Gate Mercy Hospital in lockdown, and sends Leigh's estranged husband, intense and dedicated police officer Nick Stathos, back into her life.

What is in your writing pipeline after this series (no pressure - LOL!)?

I'm thinking about that as we speak (and as I write book three). I had tentatively proposed a second series of medical dramas, set in Texas locales. A character introduced in the third Mercy Hospital book is (conveniently) from Houston . . . but there are no concrete plans as yet. My first published works were mysteries, so I'm also drawn to the idea of writing medical romantic suspense for the CBA. We'll see.

You know I have faith in a wonderful plan!

Thank you, Rel, for this wonderful opportunity. I'm honored. Candace

Candy ~ it has been an absolute pleasure :) Looking forward to more of your stories to come!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of Critical Care
Friendship Friday with Candace
Visit Candace's website and blog
Buy Candace's book at Amazon or Koorong
Come back on June 8th for a spotlight on Claire & Logan